Texas House Bill HB1052

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to the automatic admission to a public institution of higher education of a child of a person who was killed or sustained a fatal injury in the line of duty in the United States armed forces.

Impact

The law will take effect beginning with admissions for the 2014-2015 academic year, signifying an important shift in how Texas recognizes and supports the families of fallen heroes. By allowing automatic admission, the state intends to reduce barriers for applicants who have already faced significant loss. This change could potentially lead to increased enrollment of such children in public colleges, promoting their educational advancement and acknowledging their unique circumstances. Overall, the bill aims to provide stability and recognition to families of service members who have sacrificed their lives or suffered injuries in the line of duty.

Summary

House Bill 1052 proposes an amendment to the Texas Education Code to ensure that children of individuals who were killed or sustained fatal injuries while serving in the United States armed forces receive automatic admission to public institutions of higher education. This provision aims to honor the sacrifices made by these individuals and provide educational opportunities to their families. The bill specifically addresses the eligibility criteria for admission, allowing affected applicants to bypass common admission hurdles, such as standardized testing and GPA requirements, provided they meet certain minimum criteria set by educational institutions.

Contention

While there appears to be broad support for the sentiment behind the bill, discussions may arise regarding its implementation and the criteria for what constitutes the minimum requirements for admission outlined by individual higher education institutions. Furthermore, some members of the legislature may express concerns about ensuring that these admissions do not detract from opportunities for other applicants, or whether funding and resources can adequately accommodate possible increases in enrollment as a result of this law. Nevertheless, the focus remains on honoring the contributions and sacrifices of armed service members and providing their families the access and support they deserve in pursuing higher education.